How close are the S/R torquers, straight out of the box, compared to the vortecs? The engine I want to build would have somewhere between .460"-.480" lift and have to pass emissions. I know with the Vortecs I am going to have to get them machined for screw in studs and the bigger springs, and also externally plumb EGR if I intend on using it, plus there is the extra $50 or so for whatever intake I decide to use. I may be using a stock LT4 cam so that would eliminate the cost of the EGR since the LT4 cam was designed to perform a self-EGR function with the overlap, but that would only apply if I did use that cam, any other would require the EGR plumbing.


My intentions for the motor are a TBI 350, with somewhere around 300-325hp and 380-400lbft, both at as low an RPM as possible since this will be a daily driven car. If the flow on the Worlds is close to the Vortecs then I think they would be the better choice given the other expenses associated with the Vortecs.

What do you guys think?

 

The "out of the box" flow on the S/R's really varies on who prepared them.
If you can buy them with a bowl port and blend including trimming
and streamlining the valve guide boss, included you'll have a great head.
If they are just thrown together as cast you'll need to do this cleanup in the bowl yourself to reach the flow of Vortecs or
some of the magazine advertized flow specs on S/R's.
So it really comes down to preperation as they both need work
before you bolt 'em on. I'd get the 2.02x1.60" versions
and port em up if thats your preference.

I have the Vortecs and like 'em.
Pick up the book "How to Build Chey Small Blocks On A Budget."
By David Vizard. Both heads and others are outlined.

 

http://users.erols.com/srweiss/tablehdc.htm

Check that out. It's a handy little site for sure.

The World's outta the box are kinda rough. Buy hey, so are the Vortecs; they're a production head.

If the two heads were placed side by side with the exact same flow numbers, the Vortecs will outperform the S/R's for sure. The Vortecs have revised runners that eliminate pushrod clearance almost entirely, they utilize a nice kidney bean combustion chamber and they paid close attention to swirl characteristics of the incoming charge when they designed the L31 heads. Also the exhaust valve has been unshrouded significantly.

If I had the option of either one, I would go with the Vortecs. Amazing performance at a great price and they'll get you 325hp easily. They got a 305 325hp with a kinda hot cam, so they will easily put you in that range with a "colder" cam in a 350.